---
title: "Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress (IIED)"
type: Legal Term
source: https://casebriefly.com/legal-terms/intentional-infliction-of-emotional-distress
---

# Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress (IIED)

IIED is an intentional tort that imposes liability when the defendant, by extreme and outrageous conduct, intentionally or recklessly causes severe emotional distress to another. The conduct must be beyond all bounds of decency tolerated in a civilized society. Mere insults, indignities, or annoyances are generally insufficient. Some jurisdictions require a physical manifestation of the distress, though this requirement has been relaxed in many courts.

## Related Terms

- battery
- assault
- false-imprisonment

## Related Cases

- state-rubbish-collectors-v-siliznoff
- hustler-v-falwell
- snyder-v-phelps

## Example

A creditor repeatedly threatens a debtor with fabricated criminal charges and follows them at all hours. This extreme and outrageous conduct may give rise to an IIED claim.

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Source: [Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress (IIED) — CaseBriefly](https://casebriefly.com/legal-terms/intentional-infliction-of-emotional-distress)